PS 37: RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slots 2018 Opening

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Hello! Today’s episode #37 of the Professor Slots podcast is a sort of catch up episode for getting somewhat caught up with my state-by-state blog articles for you, my podcasts listeners, as well as the growing number of readers of my state-by-state blog articles.

So, in this one and only podcast episode, I’ll be covering the current state of slot machine casino gambling in 12 great U.S. states and one great U.S. territory..

In this episode, I will be covering Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. Again, for you, I simply have to get caught up.

Thank you for joining me for the Professor Slots podcast show. I’m Jon Friedl and this is the podcast about slot machine casino gambling. It is where I provide knowledge, insights, and tools for helping you improve your slot machine gambling performance.

“Jon Friedl from The Professor Slots Blog reveals all of his tips and tricks for thriving in the casino environment. Discover how to assess casinos to pick the best near you, choose winning slot machines, and identify your gambling goals: being entertained, earning comps, winning take-home cash, or combine them. Jon has won 90 taxable jackpots and a luxury car in 9 months of slots play - and made a profit at slots gambling since 2013.” On Last Week’s Episode…

In case you missed it, on last week’s episode I went over Winning Strategy #7, Return Afterward, which is my own best personal slots strategy I first used to win jackpots and cycle bankrolls for players club rewards points. Sync your own slots sessions to a specific casino’s operating rhythm: Win, walk away, return afterward.

Also last week, I reviewed Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Puerto Rico slot machine casino gambling. In Oregon, VLT-style slot machines are available at 9 tribal casinos as well as a limited number of VLTs in bars and racinos. In Pennsylvania, I discussed how state laws passed late in 2017 will soon result in substantial changes to casino slots there. And, in Puerto Rico, the lingering effect of September 2017’s Hurricane Maria on the islands casino industry.

I hope you enjoyed listening to my last episode as much as I enjoyed making it for you.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Programming Update (Optional)

Before getting started with the first segment of the show, I wanted to provide a quick programming schedule update. Without getting too deep into it, I’ve been educating myself this last month on how to be a better blogger.

In part, this is due to the rather tremendous response I’ve gotten online from my series of state-by-state blog articles. Frankly, they seem well liked. So, this has impressed upon me the need for this podcast to be more in sync with the online publication of those articles.

Consequently, I’ve made the decision to simply get caught up. That means this one podcast episode will cover 13 state-by-state blog articles at once. Having already covered 43 of these blog articles, today I’ll be taking us through to the end of the first series of my 56 blog articles.

Next week on this show, as I have already started doing with the blog series, I’ll start again from the beginning to understand what has happened with each approximately one year after originally researching the condition of slot machine casino gambling in that state, territory, or federal district.

Thanks for your indulgence and patience with this quick update. Now, let’s get on with the show! Call To Action #1 (add transition/bed music)

Remember to visit professorslots.com/subscribe to get my Free Report Revealing … The top 7 online resources for improving your gambling performance, including the one I’ve used as a top-tier slot machine casino gambler. Introduction

Up next is the first segment of the show on slot machine casino gambling. Here, I provide a brief overview of the current state of gambling in a U.S. state, territory, or federal district emphasizing, by far, anything of interest to slot machine casino gamblers.

Up first is Rhode Island slot machine casino gambling 2018. Here goes!

Rhode Island slot machine casino gambling consists of two pari-mutuel racinos having video lottery terminal (VLT) style slot machines along with an additional racino expected to open on October 1, 2018.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Each of the VLTs are regulated by the state lottery agency, which receives a share of each machine’s revenue. All VLTs are programmed to be able to play six or more games, including slots, blackjack, keno, and three versions of poker.

The Twin River Management Group owns and operates the Twin River Casino in Lincoln and the soon-to-be-opened Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel. On November 15, 2017, Twin River chairman John Taylor spoke about their racino in Lincoln, stating, “Twin River is the seventh largest casino in America right now….”

From mid-2016 through mid-2017, the average payout return for VLTs was 90.91% at Twin River Casino in Lincoln and 91.08% at the Newport Grand Casino. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Rhode Island

The minimum legal age for all forms of gambling in Rhode Island is 18. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Rhode Island

Next up is a usually short statement about slot machine private ownership, which I have included in case you live in this U.S. state and are considering owning a slot machine. Here it is:

In Rhode Island, it is legal to privately own a slot machine. Gaming Control Board in Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island’s Department of Business Regulation’s Division of Gaming & Athletics is responsible for the Newport Grand Casino and the Twin River Casino.

It is also responsible for the collection of taxes as mandated by state law. Further,

“The section promulgates rules and regulations for pari-mutuel facility operations; regulates simulcast-wagering operations at licensed pari-mutuel facilities, and oversees the licensing of Newport Grand facility personnel.”

The Rhode Island Lottery is run by the government of Rhode Island, and a charter member of the Multi-State Lottery Association.

Since the Lottery was established through constitutional amendment and passed by the Rhode Island state legislature in 1974, it has transferred nearly $7.1 trillion to the State’s General Fund.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Casinos in Rhode Island

In this section, I’ll discuss Rhode Island gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The largest casino in Rhode Island and, reportedly, the seventh largest casino in America is the Twin River Casino in Lincoln, located 10 miles north of Providence. It has 4,200 gaming machines and 92 table games.

The racino under construction, the Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel will be 95,000 square feet, have 1,000 VLT gaming machines, 32 table games, restaurants, and an attached 84-room hotel located on 51 acres. Tiverton is located in the East Bay section of Rhode Island.

The Newport Grand Casino has over 1,000 gaming machines and zero table games. Newport is set on Aquidneck Island, connected by bridge on the northern side of the island by Mount Hope Bridge to the mainland at Bristol.

However, the Twin River Management Group acquired the gambling license for the Newport Grand Casino in 2015, and plans to transfer it to their soon-to-be-opened casino property in Tiverton.

Therefore, the Newport Grand Casino property will close immediately upon the opening of the Twin River Tiverton Casino Hotel. Summary of Rhode Island Slots 2018

In summary, Rhode Island slot machine casino gambling consists of two pari-mutuel racinos having video lottery terminal (VLT) style slot machines. A new racino is expected to open on October 1, 2018, but a currently open racino will close due to transfer of its state gambling license to the new casino property.

Each of the VLTs are regulated by the state lottery agency, which receives a share of each machine’s revenue. All VLTs are programmed to be able to play at least five other games besides slots, including blackjack, keno, and three versions of poker.

Reportedly, the Twin River Casino in Lincoln is the seventh largest casino in America. Also, from mid-2016 through mid-2017, the average payout return for VLTs was 90.91% at Twin River Casino in Lincoln and 91.08% at the Newport Grand Casino.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Call To Action #2 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is South Carolina Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

South Carolina slot machine casino gambling consists of luxury yacht and cruise ship gambling only. There are no land-based casinos or pari-mutuel racetracks with or without slot machines.

South Carolina is the most restrictive U.S. state, territory, or federal district regarding most forms of gambling. With an approved license, Bingo is legally allowed for non- profit organizations. South Carolina also has a state lottery. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in South Carolina

The minimum legal age for cruise ship casino gambling in South Carolina is 21. It is 18 for the lottery.

The state laws pertaining to bingo by licensed non-profit organizations can be found in the South Carolina’s Code of Laws, specifically starting in Article 24: Bingo Tax Act. Slot Machine Private Ownership in South Carolina

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is illegal to privately own any slot machine in the state of South Carolina. Gaming Control Boards in South Carolina

The South Carolina Department of Revenue has a Bingo Licensing and Enforcement Unit. Bingo is legal in South Carolina, although special laws govern how Bingo can be conducted.

Failure to comply can lead to violations or the loss of the bingo license. Violations potentially leading to criminal charges can result from non-compliance to state law. Casinos in South Carolina

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

In this section, I’ll discuss South Carolina gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The available luxury yachts and cruise ships with gambling must sail at least 3 miles off the coast to be in international waters before gambling can commence.

Casino-style gambling day trips to international waters are available via two luxury yachts operated by The Big “M” Casino in Little River, not far from Myrtle Beach. Two luxury yachts are available, called Ship I and Ship II, having an optional all-you-can-eat buffet.

Otherwise, Carnival Cruise Lines has multi-day cruises to various international destinations out of Carnival Cruise Port in Charleston. Summary to South Carolina Slots 2018

In summary, South Carolina slot machine casino gambling consists of luxury yacht day trips and multi-day cruise ship to international destinations. There are no land-based casinos or racinos in South Carolina.

South Carolina is the most restrictive state after Utah with regards to gambling. However, with a state approved license, bingo is legally allowed for non-profit organizations under certain restrictions. South Carolina also offers a state lottery. Call To Action #3 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is South Dakota Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

South Dakota slot machine casino gambling consists of 27 small commercial casinos in Deadwood as well as eleven tribal casinos spread throughout the state. Non-traditional slots choices include 1,336 bars and taverns with a total of 9,108 video lottery terminals offering poker, keno, blackjack, and bingo.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

If applying the strict definition of slot machine, then only Deadwood and tribal casinos have traditional slot machines. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming offers actual payout return statistics for the Deadwood casinos, but none are available for the tribal casinos.

If you do not restrict the definition of a slot machine to the type of game being played, then video lottery terminals offering poker, keno, blackjack, and bingo would also slot machines. For these video lottery games, the South Dakota lottery has compiled a list of the odds of winning for each game offered, but does not offer actual payout returns.

South Dakota also has two pari-mutuel facilities with horseracing during the spring season, but do not offer slot machines at them. Simulcast and dog racing are offered at an additional facility. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in South Dakota

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in South Dakota is 21. It is 18 for pari-mutual wagering, the lottery, and tribal casino bingo.

Children are allowed in most casinos with their parents until 8 p.m. South Dakota is the only U.S. gaming jurisdiction allowing minors to be present while their parents gamble.

In early 2014, the maximum bet on slot machines at both commercial and tribal casinos was raised from $2 to $5. At the same time, the prior legal limit of the $1,000 maximum jackpot was amended to instead be adjustable as authorized by the Lottery Commission. Slot Machine Private Ownership in South Dakota

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of South Dakota if it was manufactured prior to 1941. Gaming Control Boards in South Dakota

Three relevant gaming control boards exist in South Dakota, including the following state agencies:

• South Dakota Commission on Gaming • South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations • South Dakota Lottery

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming regulates gaming at the casinos in Deadwood. This state agency provides actual payout return statistics for the Deadwood casinos. From mid-2016 to mid-2017, these actual payout return percentages were:

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

• Penny Slots (1¢): 90.73% • Nickel Slots (5¢): 93.79% • Quarter Slots (25¢): 90.74% • Dollar Slots ($1): 92.35% • 5-Dollar Slots ($5): 91.94 • Average for All Denominations: 91.04%

The South Dakota Department of Tribal Relations states the existence of state-tribal gaming compacts between South Dakota and the following nine federally-recognized sovereign American Indian tribes:

1. Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe 2. Crow Creek Sioux Tribe 3. Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe 4. Lower Brule Sioux Tribe 5. Oglala Sioux Tribe 6. Rosebud Sioux Tribe 7. Sisseton Wahpeton Tribe 8. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe 9. Yankton Sioux Tribe

Five of these gaming compacts have already been extended, with another extension being proposed. No actual payout return percentages are available for eleven tribal casinos in South Dakota owned by these nine American Indian tribes.

The South Dakota Lottery regulates slot machines as video lottery terminals. It was voted into existence via a statewide referendum where 60% of the electorate approved an amendment to the state constitution to create this state lottery, its commission, and the sale of instant tickets.

By state law, bars and taverns are legally limited to 30 slot machines per gambling license, with a limit of 3 licenses per individual operator. As of July 19, 2017, the South Dakota Lottery had assigned 1,337 active gambling licenses.

Individual operators can form a cooperative with other licensed operators to give the appearance of a relatively large casino. Note that at least three video lottery terminal gambling licenses are currently assigned to the town of Deadwood.

The South Dakota Lottery has compiled a list of the odds of winning at each of the different types of video lottery games available in this state. This list was created by independent gaming labs at the request of the South Dakota Lottery.

In 1989, South Dakota pioneered the first state video lottery in the nation. Since then, multiple attempts have been made to repeal video lottery. These includes a repeal on the

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

1992 general election ballot as well as again placed before voters in 2000 and 2006. None of these attempts were successful in repealing video lottery.

The most intense attempts at blocking video lottery in South Dakota occurred in 1994. Activities included:

• June: Based on a lawsuit, video lottery was declared unconstitutional by the South Dakota Supreme Court; • July: In a special legislative session, state lawmakers passed a resolution to place a constitutional amendment on the general election ballet to reauthorized it; • August: A court order was handed down to shut down video lottery, but it was reauthorized by voters at a 53% to 47% margin; and • November: Video lottery was restarted. Casinos in South Dakota

In this section, I’ll discuss South Dakota gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The largest casino in South Dakota is the Royal River Casino & Hotel, a tribal casino located in Flandreau. It has 386 gaming machines and 10 table games.

The second largest is Silverado Franklin Hotel and Casino, a commercial casino located in Deadwood. It has 361 gaming machines and zero table games.

There are 27 casinos in Deadwood as well as 11 tribal casinos in South Dakota. The 36 casinos in South Dakota having traditional slot machines are:

1. Best Western Hickok House in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 2. Buffalo-Bodega Gaming Complex in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 3. Bullock Hotel in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 4. Cadillac Jack’s Gaming Resort in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 5. Dakota Connection in Sisseton, a tribal casino located 165 miles north of Sioux Falls. 6. Dakota Sioux Casino & Hotel in Watertown, a tribal casino located 104 miles north of Sioux Falls. 7. Deadwood Comfort Inn & Suites Hall in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 8. Deadwood Dick’s Saloon and Gaming Hall in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 9. Deadwood Gulch Gaming Resort in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 10. Deadwood Mountain Grand in Deadwood, a commercial casino.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

11. Deadwood Station Bunkhouse and Gambling Hall in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 12. East Wind Casino in Martin, a tribal casino located 122 miles southeast of Rapid City. 13. First Gold Hotel & Gaming in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes the Blackjack Casino and Horseshoe Casino. 14. Fort Randall Casino Hotel in Pickstown, a tribal casino located 100 miles southwest of Sioux Falls. 15. Gold Country Inn Gambling Hall and Cafe in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 16. Gold Dust Casino & Hotel in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes the French Quarter Casino, Legends Casino, and Silver Dollar Casino. 17. Golden Buffalo Casino in Lower Brule, a tribal casino located 45 miles southeast of Pierre. 18. Grand River Casino and Resort in Mobridge, a tribal casino located 240 miles northeast of Rapid City. 19. Hickok’s Hotel and Casino in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes the B.B. Cody’s Casino. 20. Iron Horse Inn in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 21. Kevin Costner’s The Midnight Star in Deadwood, a commercial casino. CLOSED August 29, 2017 (http://bismarcktribune.com/news/state-and-regional/lights- go-out-on-kevin-costner-s-midnight-star-in/article_b29268cd-9ed7-5ba9-9967- 054e62d6bd40.html). 22. Lode Star Casino & Hotel in Fort Thompson, a tribal casino located 150 miles northwest of Sioux Falls. 23. The Lodge in Deadwood in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 24. Lucky 8 Gaming Hall/Super 8 Motel in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 25. Main Street Deadwood Gulch Bar in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 26. Martin & Mason Hotel in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes the Wooden Nickel Casino and Lee Street Station. 27. Mineral Palace Hotel & Gaming in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 28. Mustang Sally’s in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 29. Old Style Saloon #10 in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes The Utter Place card room. 30. Oyster Bay/Fairmont Hotel in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 31. Prairie Wind Casino & Hotel in Oglala, a tribal casino located 85 miles southeast of Rapid City. 32. Rosebud Casino in Mission, a tribal casino located 22 miles south of Mission. 33. Silverado-Franklin Historic Hotel & Gaming Complex in Deadwood, a commercial casino. 34. Tin Lizzie Gaming in Deadwood, a commercial casino. This gambling establishment includes the Four Aces Casino. 35. Veterans of Foreign War Black Hills Post 5969 in Deadwood, a commercial casino.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

In addition, the South Dakota Lottery has provided a list, sorted alphabetically by city, of all South Dakota bars and taverns having video lottery machines. Summary to South Dakota Slots 2018

In summary, South Dakota slot machine casino gambling consists of 27 frontier-like casinos within historic Deadwood as well as eleven American Indian tribal casinos. The South Dakota Commission on Gaming offers actual payout return statistics for Deadwood casinos, but none are provided for tribal casinos.

Non-traditional slots choices include 9,108 video lottery terminals at 1,336 bars and taverns located throughout the state offering video poker, keno, blackjack, and bingo. For these video lottery games, the South Dakota lottery has compiled a list of the odds of winning for each game offered, but does not offer actual payout returns.

South Dakota also has two horse tracks offering pari-mutuel wagering during the spring season, but do not also offer slot machines. Simulcast and dog racing are provided at an additional facility. Call To Action #4 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Tennessee Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Tennessee slot machine casino gambling does not exist. There are no commercial casinos or racetracks in Tennessee. Further, there are no federally-recognized American Indian tribes in Tennessee. Therefore, there are also no tribal casinos. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Tennessee

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in Tennessee is not available. It is 18 for pari-mutual wagering and the lottery.

The Tennessee Constitution prohibits the legislature from authorizing games of chance associated with casinos, including, but not limited to, slot machines, roulette wheels and the like.

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

No exceptions are made in state law that would allow a federally recognized Indian tribe to conduct games of chance associated with casinos.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), a federal law, reflects Congress’ intent to control Indian gaming exclusively, with any state regulation thereof only taking place within IGRA’s regulatory framework.

Further, Congress provided in IGRA that “Indian tribes have the exclusive right to regulate gaming activity on Indian lands if the gaming activity is not specifically prohibited by Federal law and is conducted within a State which does not, as a matter of criminal law and public policy, prohibit such gaming activity.” 25 U.S.C. § 2701(5).

With all that being said, it is also a requirement that any tribe participating in the IGRA must be a federally-recognized American Indian tribe. But, Tennessee has no such federally-recognized tribe.

Because the state constitution prohibits games of chance and also because the state has no federally-recognized tribes, Tennessee has no tribal casinos. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Tennessee

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is illegal to privately own any slot machine in the state of Tennessee. Gaming Control Boards in Tennessee

Tennessee has established a state agency for charitable gaming under its Secretary of State, officially called Division of Charitable Solicitations. The Tennessee Nonprofit Gaming Law allows eligible organizations to hold a single, annual “games of chance” fundraising event.

To conduct it, the organization must file an application with the Secretary of State, pay a non-refundable fee, and received authorization of the Tennessee General Assembly. Applications requires a two-thirds vote of approval by the General Assembly.

This one “games of chance” fundraising event per qualified organization can only occur once between July 1 and June 30 of the following year. Many other relatively minor legal restrictions also apply, as comprehensively explained on the Tennessee’s Charitable Gaming FAQs webpage.

Tennessee also has a state lottery. officially called the Tennessee Education Lottery (TEL). The TEL was approved by voters in late 2002, and beginning to sell tickets in early

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

2004. Since then, it has raised more than $4 billion for education programs up to and including two-year college institutions. Casinos in Tennessee

In this section, I’ll discuss Tennessee gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

There are no casinos in the great U.S. state of Tennessee. However, it’s neighboring states of Mississippi and Missouri have a significant amount of slot machine casino gambling options available.

Tennessee shares a border with 7 other U.S. states. For all the details on available options for slot machine casino gambling within each of Tennessee’s neighboring states, click on the links provided below to visit my state-by-state articles for each of them:

• Alabama • Arkansas • Georgia • Mississippi • Missouri • North Carolina • Virginia

Links to these articles can be found in the summary article for my Professor Slots online resource of state-by-state reviews available at https://professorslots.com/state/. Summary to Tennessee Slots 2018

In summary, Tennessee slot machine casino gambling does not exist. There are no commercial casinos, racetracks, or tribal casinos. Legally restrictive charitable gaming exists for qualified organizations.

Tennessee also has a state lottery, which has so far provided $4 billion to fund educational programs up through two-year college institutions

However, a few of Tennessee’s seven neighboring states offer extensive slot machine casino gambling options, especially in the states of Mississippi and Missouri. Call To Action #5 (add transition/bed music) [Optional] ProfessorSlots.com Podcast Episode #37 Copyright 2018 Jon Friedl, LLC Page 13 of 34

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Up next is Texas Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of Class II bingo-style electronic gaming machines at American Indian tribal casinos as well as the gambling boat Jacks or Better Casino which sails to international waters from Galveston.

The state government of Texas has long challenged the legality of tribal gaming in Texas, with some successes, resulting in a dynamic history from the late 1980s through 2017.

Texas also offers six large dog and horse racetracks with pari-mutuel wagering, but these facilities do not offer any electronic gaming machines. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Texas

The minimum legal age for cruise ship casino gambling and pari-mutual wagering in Texas is 21. It is 18 for the lottery. For bingo, anyone less than 18 must be accompanied by a parent. The tribal casinos in Texas are open daily for 24 hours.

Texas has three federally-recognized American Indian tribes, including:

• Alabama-Coushatta Tribe; • Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas; and • Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo.

The Texas state government and the federally-recognized tribes in Texas have, so far, been unable to successfully negotiate any state-tribal compacts to allow Class III Vegas- style gambling.

There have been substantial law suits by the Texas state government to shut down tribal casinos offering Class II gaming, with some successes. Various court filings and rulings regarding the legality of tribal casinos in Texas have continued since the late 1980s to as recently as 2017.

In brief, Texas has challenged the legality of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 based on the argument that the Restoration Act of 1987 took precedence. This Restoration Act gave federal recognition to the Tigua and Alabama-Coushatta tribes, while also specifically forbidding gambling.

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These legal challenges have resulted in the conversion of one former tribal casino, the Speaking Rock Casino operated by the Alabama-Coushatta tribe, into the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Texas

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Texas without a legislative restriction on the date of manufacture of the machine. Gaming Control Boards in Texas

The great U.S. state of Texas does not have a state gaming commission responsible for slot machine gambling, nor has it negotiated any state-tribal compacts with sovereign nation American Indian tribes within its borders.

However, the Texas Lottery Commission is the state agency which regulates the Texas Lottery. Casinos in Texas

In this section, I’ll discuss Texas gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

Besides Texas continually challenging the legality of tribal gaming within their state as far back as the late 1980s, there is also a long history of gambling boats being quite unsuccessful businesses.

Gambling boats have operated out of Texas ports, taking passengers on one-day trips to international waters, where there are no state gaming regulations. Changes as to which gambling ports operate out of which Texas ports, if any, have occurred nearly constantly since 1988. The only current gambling boat is the Jacks or Better Casino, which docks at and sails from the port of Galveston.

Texas also offers one greyhound racetrack and five horse racetracks, all offering pari- mutuel wagering, but not offering any electronic gaming machines.

The largest casino in Texas is the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel. It has over 3,300 gaming machines and a private poker room as well as offering bingo five days a week.

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The second largest casino is the only other casino in Texas, Naskila Gaming, located 15 miles east of Livingston, having 800 electronic gaming machines.

The casinos in Texas are or were:

1. Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel is a tribal casino in Eagle Pass, located 143 miles southwest from San Antonio. 2. Speaking Rock Entertainment Center is in El Paso, formerly a casino, owned and operated by the Tigua tribe of the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo. Due to losing a court decision, this casino was closed in 2002. At present, it operates as a large event center. 3. Naskila Gaming is a tribal casino in Livingston, located 74 miles north-northeast from Houston. 4. Jacks or Better Casino is a gambling boat which acts as a casino when sailing in international waters. Its home port is Galveston. Summary to Texas Slots 2018

In summary, Texas slot machine casino gambling consists of two tribal casinos and one gambling boat. The largest casino is in Eagle Pass, on the Mexican border near San Antonio. The second casino is outside of the city of Livingston, which is north-northeast of Houston.

The tribal casinos offer Class II electronic bingo games, which have a similar appearance to traditional slot machines. The gambling boat in Galveston is open to the public on Thursday through Sunday, but closed for private parties Monday through Wednesday. Call To Action #6 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is U.S. Virgin Islands Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

U.S. Virgin Islands slot machine casino gambling existed prior to the arrival of two hurricanes in September of 2017, but large resorts are still temporarily closed due to storm damage. These closures include many, but not all, of the casinos.

Hurricane Irma was the strongest Atlantic basin hurricane ever recorded, and struck the U.S. Virgin Islands as a category 5 storm causing widespread devastation. Two weeks

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018 later, Hurricane Maria, also a category 5 storm, struck with a storm surge followed by weeks of rain.

Recent reports indicate that recovery is slow, but sure. Tourism has begun to pick up, according to the NPR in early February 2018, only 2 months ago from this writing. Although the impact of the storms are still obvious, power is mostly on, cruise ship ports are in good shape, and restaurants and shops are open for business.

The U.S. Virgin Islands, also known as the American Virgin Islands but officially the Virgin Islands of the United States, are in the Caribbean about 40 miles east of Puerto Rico. This island territory consists of the main islands of Saint Croix, Saint John, and Saint Thomas as well as many surrounding minor islands.

In 2010, the population was 106,405 with tourism being the primary economic activity, with about 10% of the population being involved with some aspect of agriculture. The single largest employer is the government. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in U.S. Virgin Islands

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in the U.S. Virgin Islands is 21. The minimum legal age for participating in the lottery is 18.

A referendum on legalizing casino gambling was held in November 1994, and approved by St. Croix but rejected by St. Thomas and St. John. Following the referendum, the legislature voted to legalize casino gambling in St. Croix on April 27, 1995.

Online casino games and poker are legally available in the U.S. Virgin Islands, but licenses have not yet been issued. Players are not prosecuted for playing in offshore casinos and such websites are not blocked.

The Virgin Islands Casino and Resort Act of 1995 allowed the issuance of six casino licenses. The Act was intended to stimulate the economy of St. Croix, specifically the tourism sector. Therefore, a casino must be included as part of a major hotel and convention facility. Slot Machine Private Ownership in U.S. Virgin Islands

Regarding slot machine private ownership, the legality of privately owning a slot machine in the territory of the U.S. Virgin Islands is unknown. Gaming Control Boards in U.S. Virgin Islands

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

Gambling establishments are controlled by the Virgin Islands Casino and Resort Control Act of 1995. To ensure proper regulation and enforcement of legalized gambling, the Act established the Casino Control Commission and the Division of Gaming Enforcement.

One of the main functions of the Commission is the issuance of licenses to prospective investors and employees. The Commission also has a physical presence through inspectors and agents at a casino at all times during the operation of the casino.

The Division of Gaming Enforcement, a unit within the Department of Justice, is the Commission’s investigation and enforcement arm. The Division’s main function is to investigation the qualifications of each applicant before the Commission issues any license, permit, or certification to that applicant.

The Casino Control Commission issued its first two casino licenses in 1998. After the passing of Hurricane Lenny in November of 1999, the first St. Croix casino opened in March of 2001. Casinos in U.S. Virgin Islands

In this section, I’ll discuss U.S. Virgin Islands gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The largest casino in U.S. Virgin Islands is the Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino. It has 360 gaming machines and 17 table games.

The five casinos in U.S. Virgin Islands are:

1. Divi Carina Bay Beach Resort & Casino on the island of St. Croix, in Christiansted – temporarily closed during rebuilding through Fall 2018. 2. Casino at Hotel Caravelle on the island of St. Croix, in Christiansted. 3. Seven Hills Golf Resort & Casino on the island of St. Croix, in Christiansted – a currently proposed casino. 4. St. Croix Golf Resort and Casino on the island of St. Croix, in Christiansted. – currently expected to open in March of 2019. 5. Parrot Club on the island of St. John, in Cruz Bay. Summary to U.S. Virgin Islands Slots 2018

In summary, U.S. Virgin Islands slot machine casino gambling consists of five gaming establishments, out of six legally available casino gaming licenses. However, Hurricanes

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Irma and Marie from September of 2017 has created a great deal of storm damage. But, the islands have since begun to recover, with cruise ports available and most of the power restored. Call To Action #7 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Utah Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Utah slot machine casino gambling does not exist. Utah is one of only two states, with the other being Hawaii, where gambling is considered strictly illegal. However, unlike Hawaii’s economic analysis decision-making approach, Utah prohibits all forms of gambling due to religious reasons.

The nearest slot machines are located in West Wendover in Nevada, which is located 123 miles directly west of Utah’s Salt Lake City. The four casinos in West Wendover reportedly have a total of 3,550 slot machines. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Utah

The minimum legal age for any form of gambling in Utah is not available. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Utah

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is illegal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Utah. Gaming Control Boards in Utah

Utah does not have a state gaming commission. It also does not have a state lottery or, therefore, a state lottery agency. Casinos in Utah

In this section, I’ll discuss Utah gambling establishments.

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There are several bingo halls available in Utah. A free bingo card was being offered along with a dinner paid by the player. These facilities were subsequently legally challenged as offering illegal gambling. However, the facilities responded that the paid dinner in question was optional. The courts later ruled that it is not gambling if the bingo cards are provided free of charge with no obligation to pay for a dinner.

It is also perhaps worth mentioning that there are also rumors of illegal poker rooms available within the state of Utah, even high limit poker game rooms. Summary to Utah Slots 2018

In summary, Utah slot machine casino gambling does not exist. Utah is one of only two states, the other being Hawaii, where gambling is considered strictly illegal.

The nearest slot machines are located in West Wendover in Nevada, 123 miles directly west of Salt Lake City, Utah.

However, bingo is allowed if offered free of charge. Call To Action #8 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Vermont Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Vermont slot machine casino gambling does not exist. There are no casinos or racetracks within the state of Vermont. However, casino gambling is available relatively nearby, right across each of its borders, including:

• To the west: New Hampshire • To the south: Massachusetts • To the north: Province of Quebec, Canada; and • To the west: New York Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Vermont

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in Vermont is not available. It is 18 for the lottery and bingo.

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The laws against gambling in Vermont are comprehensive and strict, even going so far as to restrict simple social gambling. The only gambling legally allowed is the state lottery. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Vermont

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Vermont if it was manufactured prior to 1954. Gaming Control Boards in Vermont

No state gaming commission exists except for the Vermont Lottery Commission regulating the state’s lottery. Casinos in Vermont

In this section, I’ll discuss Vermont gambling establishments.

There are no casinos or racetracks in Vermont. Summary to Vermont Slots 2018

In summary, Vermont slot machine casino gambling does not exist, as this state currently has no casinos or racetracks. The nearest available gaming opportunities exist across Vermont’s borders in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York as well as at a tribal casino in Montreal, Canada. Vermont has had a state lottery since 1978. Call To Action #9 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Virginia Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Commonwealth of Virginia slot machine casino gambling does not exist. Virginia does not legally allow slot machines or all other casino games, although it does allow horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at licensed facilities.

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Gaming industry news in 2018 from Virginia is showing some change may be occurring with regards to potential casino legislation and approvals. For example, here are articles on various attempts to introduce gaming to Virginia over the last few months:

• Virginia Governor endorses Colonial Downs legislation (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/virginia-governor-endorses-colonial- downs-legislation-54578); • Virginia tribe on the hunt for casino site (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/virginia-tribe-on-the-hunt-for-casino- site-54012); • Virginia Appropriations Committee approves Colonial Downs legislation (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/virginia-appropriations-committee- approves-colonial-downs-legislation-53145); and • Virginia Senator eyes hometown for possible casino (https://news.worldcasinodirectory.com/va-senator-eyes-hometown-for- possible-casino-41479).

Virginia, officially the Commonwealth of Virginia, has several interesting historical nicknames. The first English colony in mainland North America, Virginia has the nickname of “Old Dominion”, based on the title of “Dominion” given by King Charles II of England for Virginia remaining loyal to the crown during the English Civil War from 1642 to 1651.

King Charles’ supporters were called Cavaliers, so Virginia also has the “The Cavalier State” nickname. Yet another nickname is “Mother of Presidents” as more U.S. presidents were born there than any other state. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Virginia

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in Virginia is not available, as casino gambling does not legally exist. It is 18 for pari-mutual wagering, the lottery, and bingo. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Virginia

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Gaming Control Boards in Virginia

The Commonwealth of Virginia has three state gaming commissions. These are:

• Virginia Racing Commission with its mission “To promote, sustain, grow, and control a native horse racing industry with pari-mutuel wagering by prescribing ProfessorSlots.com Podcast Episode #37 Copyright 2018 Jon Friedl, LLC Page 22 of 34

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regulations and conditions that command and promote excellence and complete honesty and integrity in racing and wagering.” • Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs, promoting the integrity of charitable games activities in Virginia. • Virginia Lottery, governed by the Virginia Lottery Board as set forth by Virginia Code Section 58.1-4007. Casinos in Virginia

In this section, I’ll discuss Virginia gambling establishments.

Virginia does not offer slots of any sort. However, it does off horseracing, simulcasting, and off-track betting at Riverboat on the Potomac OTB in Colonial Beach on the Potomac River, located 33 miles east of colonial Fredericksburg.

The Pamunkey Indian Tribe gained federal recognition in 2015, and is pursuing improved educational and employment opportunities to ensure long-term success of the tribe. At this time, it is searching for a suitable site for a casino resort located within Virginia.

Colonial Downs is a horseracing facility located in the eastern part of Virginia, located 30 miles each of Richmond. It closed its doors in 2014, but may reopen as early as the end of 2018. It has already been given permission to offer slot-like historical race wagering machines. Summary to Virginia Slots 2018

In summary, Commonwealth of Virginia slot machine casino gambling does not exist, although slot-like historical race wagering machines will become available later in 2018 at Colonial Downs in eastern Virginia. Virginia only allows horse racing and pari-mutuel wagering at licensed facilities.

Other gaming industry news in 2018 from Virginia is showing some change may be occurring there with regards to potential casino legislation and approvals.

For example, The Pamunkey Indian Tribe recently gain federal recognition, which was continually opposed by casino operator MGM Resorts International with its MGM National Harbor venue located in nearby Maryland. With this federal recognition, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe is looking to establish an approximately $700 million venue. Call To Action #10 (add transition/bed music)

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Up next is Washington Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Washington slot machine casino gambling exists at tribal casinos in the form of electronic “scratch” ticket games. Each of the 29 federally recognized American Indian tribes in Washington have negotiated a state-tribal compact to offer gambling at their casinos.

With regards to slots, initial lengthy negotiations resulted in a secondary lottery system for tribes, making slots in Washington a type of video lottery terminal.

Further, all of these compacts established a minimum payout return of 75% and a maximum wager of $5. Over time, this maximum wager was increased to $20, but limited to 15% of electronic gaming machines.

None of the tribes in Washington state are required to release actual payout returns for their slots.

For those interested in non-slots gambling, Washington state’s 30 casinos offer a wide variety of table game options. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Washington

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in Washington is most often 21 but sometimes is 18, depending upon the casino establishment. It is always 18 for pari- mutual wagering, the lottery, and bingo.

Having this style of slot machines, which are actually “scratch” ticket electronic games, is a result of early state-tribal gaming compact negotiations. When the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was passed by the U.S. Congress in 1988, the State of Washington and its tribes could not agree on whether slot machines should be legal in Washington.

After a significant negotiation process, in late 1997 it was agreed by both sides that the type of slots to be provided by tribal casinos would be modeled after the state lottery. This gaming system, essentially video lottery terminals, is identified as the Tribal Lottery System (TLS).

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Several appendices have subsequently been approved, including allowing an increase in the maximum wager from $5 to $20 on 15% of all electronic gaming machines.

Along with a few other changes, such as allowing cash-in at these machines, the maximum number of “slot machines” allowed by tribe and gambling facility has been increased. Specifically,, the cap on video lottery terminals per gambling facility increased from 1,500 to 2,500. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Washington

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Washington if it is 25 years old or older, is played at no cost, and is not operated for gambling purposes. Gaming Control Boards in Washington

The Washington State Gambling Commission is devoted to gambling licensing, regulation, and enforcement within Washington state. On their website, they state:

“Through collaboration with local, state, federal, tribal and international law enforcement agencies, we work to fulfill our legislative declaration of: (1) Keeping the criminal element out of gambling, and (2) Promoting social welfare through strict regulation and control.”

Washington state and its 29 federally-recognized American Indian tribes have successfully negotiated state-tribal gaming compacts. These approved compacts allow Class III Las Vegas-style gaming at gambling establishments within the state of Washington. Casinos in Washington

In this section, I’ll discuss Washington gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

There are 30 American Indian tribal casinos available in the state of Washington with more than 30,000 video lottery terminal style slot machines and more than 1,100 table games.

The largest casino in Washington is the Muckleshoot Casino (https://muckleshootcasino.com) in Auburn, 20 miles south of Seattle. It has 3,125 gaming machines and 75 table games.

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The second largest is Tulalip Casino (https://www.tulalipresortcasino.com), located 30 miles north of Seattle, having 2,200 gaming machines and 39 table games.

Information about each of the 30 casinos in Washington state is available at professorslots.com/WA. Summary to Washington Slots 2018

In summary, Washington slot machine casino gambling consists of tribal casinos with video lottery terminal (VLT) style slot machines run by a tribal lottery system, which is separate from the state-run lottery system.

Over 30,000 of these VLT-style slot machines are collectively offered by Washington’s 29 federally recognized tribes. According to the negotiated state-tribal compacts, their minimum payout is 75%. Also, their maximum wager is $5, but has been legally allowed to be raised to $20 on 15% of all of these VLT-style slots.

None of the American Indian tribes in Washington state are legally required by their state-tribal compacts, or otherwise, to release actual payout returns for their slots. Call To Action #11 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is West Virginia Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

West Virginia slot machine casino gambling consists of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at four pari-mutuel facilities and one casino resort. The following games are available on these state lottery controlled VLTs:

• Slots; • Blackjack; • Keno; and • Numerous versions of poker.

Also, these styles of VLTs are also allowed by West Virginia law in bars, restaurants, and fraternal organizations. Bars and restaurants are allowed to have up to 5 VLTs, while fraternal organizations are limited to 10 VLTs.

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West Virginia state gaming law have minimum and maximum legal requirements for payout returns for their VLTs. These are 80% and 95%, respectively. West Virginia also makes available actual payout return percentages for each gaming facility annually. For the mid-2016 to mid-2017 timeframe, these annual casino actuals returns were:

• The Casino Club at The Greenbrier: n/a; • Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races: 89.92%; • Mardi Gras Casino & Resort: 90.66%; • Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort: 88.59%; and • Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack: 89.28%. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in West Virginia

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in West Virginia is 21. It is 18 for pari-mutual wagering, the lottery, and bingo.

Video lottery was approved in 1994, with legal restraints, at West Virginia’s racetracks. One of the legal restraint is that the counties in which each track is located must approve having video lottery terminals at this pari-mutuel racing facility.

In 2001, West Virginia passed a bill allowing for a limited number of VLTs at bars, restaurants, and fraternal organizations. Up to 5 video lottery terminals are allowed for bars and restaurants while fraternal organizations are limited to 10 VLTs. Further, this Limited Video Lottery Act of 2001 limited the number of VLTs in the state to a total of 9,000 machines.

It is a legal requirement in West Virginia that all video lottery terminals have a minimum payout return percentage of 80% while also having a maximum payout return of 95%. Slot Machine Private Ownership in West Virginia

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of West Virginia. Gaming Control Boards in West Virginia

West Virginia’s video lottery terminals are controlled by the state lottery. The West Virginia Lottery (http://www.wvlottery.com) was voted into existence with a 67% approval via a Lottery Amendment to the State Constitution in November of 1984. The first lottery tickets were sold in January of 1986.

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• Lottery Act of 1985 • Racetrack Video Lottery Act of 1994 • The Limited Video Lottery Act of 2001 • Title 179 Legislative Rule of the West Virginia Lottery: Series 4 - Limited Gaming Facility Rule • Statute 29-25-1: Authorized Gaming Facility at The Greenbrier.

If you are interested in table games, West Virginia legalized them through the West Virginia Lottery Racetrack Table Games Act. Casinos in West Virginia

In this section, I’ll discuss West Virginia gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

In terms of large scale gambling establishments, there are 4 pari-mutuel facilities and 1 casino resort in West Virginia. However, bars and restaurants are allowed by West Virginia to legally have up to 5 VLT machines. Further, fraternal organizations are legally allowed to have up to 10 VLTs.

The largest casino in West Virginia is the Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com). It has 3,189 gaming machines and 98 table games. The second largest is Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort (https://www.moreatmountaineer.com), having 2,100 gaming machines and 39 table games.

The 5 casinos in West Virginia, along with any available mid-2016 through mid-2017 actual payout return percentages, are:

1. The Casino Club at The Greenbrier (http://www.greenbrier.com) in White Sulphur Springs, located 120 miles southeast of Charleston, a casino resort. Its payout return percentage is not available; 2. Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races (http://www.hollywoodcasinocharlestown.com) in Charles Town, located 320 miles northeast of Charleston, a pari-mutuel horse racing facility. Its payout return percentage was 89.92%; 3. Mardi Gras Casino & Resort (https://mardigrascasinowv.com) in Cross Lanes, located 10 miles northwest of Charleston, a pari-mutuel dog racing facility. Its payout return percentage was 90.66%;

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4. Mountaineer Casino Racetrack & Resort (https://www.moreatmountaineer.com) in New Cumberland, located 35 miles north of Wheeling, a pari-mutuel horse racing facility. Its payout return percentage was 88.59%; and. 5. Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Racetrack (https://www.wheelingisland.com) in Wheeling, a pari-mutuel dog racing facility. Its payout return percentage was 89.28%. Summary to West Virginia Slots 2018

In summary, West Virginia slot machine casino gambling consists of 5 large gambling establishments having video lottery terminals (VLTs) controlled by the state lottery. Four of these facilities are dog or horse racing pari-mutuel facilities. Call To Action #12 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Wisconsin Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Wisconsin slot machine casino gambling consists of over 20,000 slot machines available at 22 American Indian tribal casinos. According to available state-tribal compacts, payout returns may be between a minimum of 80% and a maximum of 100%. Actual payout returns are not legally required to be publicly reported. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Wisconsin

The minimum legal age for casino gambling in Wisconsin is 21. It is 18 for pari-mutual wagering, the lottery, and bingo. Slot Machine Private Ownership in Wisconsin

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Wisconsin if it is 25 years old or older. Gaming Control Boards in Wisconsin

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The State of Wisconsin’s Department of Administration has a Division of Gaming, which:

“…protects the integrity of Indian and charitable gaming in Wisconsin by focusing on regulatory responsibilities that protect the public interest and the integrity of games. This is done through licensing procedures, background investigations, and regulatory enforcement activities.”

This Division of Gaming has a useful Office of Indian Gaming and Regulatory Compliance. This Office was created via state-tribal compacts to ensure regulation of Class III Las Vegas-style casino gaming operated by Wisconsin’s 11 federally-recognized tribes, including:

• On-site audits of casino operations for compliance with internal control standards; • Audits of gaming financial data; and • Investigation of vendors conducting gaming-related business with Wisconsin tribal gaming operators.

If you are interested, the state-tribal compacts are available online at the state of Wisconsin website for these 11 tribes, including the original compact as well as any subsequent amendments or memorandums of understanding. Casinos in Wisconsin

In this section, I’ll discuss Wisconsin gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The largest casino in Wisconsin is the Potawatomi Hotel & Casino in Milwaukee. It has 3,100 gaming machines and 99 table games.

The second largest is Ho-Chunk Gaming Wisconsin Dells in Baraboo, having 2,200 gaming machines and 48 table games.

The State of Wisconsin make available an online map of all Gaming Locations in Wisconsin. Summary to Wisconsin Slots 2018

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018

In summary, Wisconsin slot machine casino gambling consists of tens of thousands of slot machines available at 22 tribal casinos operated by 11 federally recognized American Indian tribes.

All state-tribal compacts are available online at the State of Wisconsin’s Division of Gaming. Through these compacts, payout returns may be between a minimum of 80% and a maximum of 100%. Actual payout returns are not reported. Call To Action #13 (add transition/bed music)

Up next is Wyoming Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018. Here goes!

Wyoming slot machine casino gambling consists of 4 American Indian tribal casinos offering both Class II bingo-style gaming machines as well as the more typical Class III slot machines. As it is a popular pastime in Wyoming, approximately 21 locations offer Class II bingo-style games only.

Regarding payback return percentages, Wyoming has neither set a legal limit nor publicly reports actual payback returns from Wyoming casinos.

Pari-mutuel horse races are also available, for those interested. These gambling facilities do not offer traditional slot machines. Relevant Legal Statutes on Gambling in Wyoming

The minimum legal age for gambling in Wyoming is 18 for all types of gambling. The maximum size of bet legally permitted is $25.

Pari-mutuel horse races are also available, for those interested. These gambling facilities do not offer traditional slot machines. However, state legislation signed into law in 2013 allowed these establishments to offer gaming machines that appear to be slot machines.

But, they are actually historic horse races with limited race information available. This activity has effectively made pari-mutuel wagering available year-round, with a subsequent boost to local economies.

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Slot Machine Private Ownership in Wyoming

Regarding slot machine private ownership, it is legal to privately own a slot machine in the state of Wyoming if it is 25 years old or older. Gaming Control Boards in Wyoming

The state of Wyoming has a state lottery agency as well as a Pari-Mutuel Commission. However, Wyoming does not have a gaming commission for slots and other casino games, as these games were established by federal law through state-tribal compacts under the IGRA of 1988.

That being said, however, as recently as 2015 Wyoming lawmakers has been weighing whether or not to establish a gaming commission due to gaming’s ongoing expansion in Wyoming. This has apparently been driven by the expansion of poker rooms as well as certain activities of the state lottery beyond traditional lottery drawings. Casinos in Wyoming

In this section, I’ll discuss Wyoming gambling establishments.

As usual, the website links for each casino, assuming they have set up a website, is available by clicking on this segment in the show notes available at professorslots.com/e37.

The largest casino in Wyoming is the Wind River Hotel and Casino. It has 750 gaming machines and 9 table games.

The second largest is Little Wind Casino, having 170 gaming machines and 5 table games.

The 4 tribal casinos in Wyoming are:

1. 789 Casino in Riverton, located 125 miles west of Casper. 2. Little Wind Casino in Arapahoe, located 140 miles west of Casper. 3. Shoshone Rose Casino & Hotel in Lander, located 140 miles west of Casper. 4. Wind River Hotel and Casino in Riverton, located 125 miles west of Casper. Summary to Wyoming Slots 2018

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In summary, Wyoming slot machine casino gambling consists of 4 tribal casinos offering typical Class III slot machines. both traditional reels and video progressives, as well as Class II bingo-style games.

Wyoming has neither set a legal limit on payout returns nor publicly reports actual payout returns from Wyoming casinos.

Bingo is a popular pastime in Wyoming, offering an additional 21 bingo halls. For those interested, pari-mutuel horse races are also available at multiple Off Track Betting (OTB) facilities. These pari-mutuel wagering facilities do not offer traditional slot machines. Call To Action #14 (add transition/bed music)

Part I of the next episode of the Professor Slots podcast is still under development.

Part II of the next episode of the Professor Slots podcast more brief overviews of the current state of gambling in only two U.S. states, territories, or federal district. Next time, I’ll be talking to you about the great U.S. states of Alabama and Alaska. Closing (closing music)

That’s the end of another great episode of the Professor Slots podcast. Thanks so much for listening!

Show notes for this episode are now available within most podcast Apps, but are also available on my website at professorslots.com/e37.

I plan to have the next episode come out very soon for you, where I’ll have more amazing content for the show.

Until the next episode: Have fun, be safe, and make good choices! Bye. 320-character description:

Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Slots 2018. This episode reviews slot

RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VI, UT, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY Slot Machine Casino Gambling 2018 machine casino gambling in 12 states and 1 territory to sync up to my state-by-state publishing schedule for the benefit of you and the rest of my audience. 156-character description:

Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, U.S. Virgin Islands, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Slots 2018 for syncing up.